LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

South West Coastal Path No. 69             Total: 565 miles


Time Taken:     Cycle:     Distance:   Enjoyment:    Weather:  
  3.25 hours              n/a           5 miles          90%        Little Wind

 Temp:     Cloud:     Rain:    Visibility:    Ground Conditions:  
  17oC      100%        80%        Misty           Good Underfoot

General:
At the bridge at the River Char, Charmouth I spotted the 
coastal path information signs, informing walkers that 
the path was closed due to landslip. I could see a good 
track up the 'Cain's Folly' Hill so I decided to see if I could 
walk around the landslip. The path disappeared at the 
landslip and the field upto the edge of the landslip did not 
invite the walker to trespass. However after careful 
observation of the landslip I could see a path through the 
uneven terrain of the landslip to the far bank. Excellent 
views across the Char Valley and along the coast to 
Lyme Regis. Spotted a huge perfectly formed fungi just 
in the field by the path on the summit. More excellent, 
although misty, views from the summit looking east to 
Golden Cap. Long descent to the first of three 
footbridges before Golden Cap. Path constantly rising 
or falling along the coast. Hard work, but enjoyable. 
Crossed the third bridge at St Gabriel's Mouth, then 
the long hard climb to top of Golden Cap. Stopped to 
enjoy the views, a long rest from the ascent and 
refreshments. To my side there were a pile of small 
stones in the grass, so I decided to leave a nice 
message for my girlfriend. I took a photo of my evidence. 
Short walk along the ridge to the national trust memorial 
and the OS column, then the steep descent to Seatown. 
Diversion just before Seatown due to landslip. It looked 
like a long term diversion from the vegetation around the 
diversion notices. Short detour inland through a field to 
Sea Hill Lane just outside Seatown village. As I walked 
through the field the sweet corn was 2 meters high. 
Turned right at land for short distance into village where 
I waited for Ann to collect me. Fine but misty day on the 
coastal path again.